Items filtered by date: April 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease that often attacks the feet and ankles first. This type of arthritis comes from the immune system attacking joint linings and weakening ligaments. It can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity, and it can impact balance and mobility making it hard to stand or walk safely.  Nodules or lumps on the feet can rub against shoes when walking and hammertoes or bunions can develop. This type of arthritis is three times more apt to affect women than men. As the disease progresses, the joint damage can become so severe that there is a complete loss of joint function and joint-replacement surgery is necessary. If you are suffering from the discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis in your feet or ankles, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for suggestions on how to live life more comfortably.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Having a foot massage performed may be an effective method of reducing stress. Research has shown there is a difference between foot massage and foot massage therapy. People who get foot massages are aware of the good feeling they can bring, whereas foot therapy targets the pain points that are triggered, and the correct amount of pressure is applied to them. This may be helpful in keeping the feet strong, as they carry the weight of the body. Wearing shoes that do not fit correctly may result in overstraining the foot muscles, and this can be addressed during foot massage therapy. It can be easier to relax when this is performed, and an added benefit may be better blood circulation, lowered blood pressure and sleep quality may be improved. Patients have found existing foot wounds have healed faster, and the immune system may be enhanced. If you have questions about foot massage therapy, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can provide a detailed explanation.

Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Most Common Injuries

People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track. 

What to Do When Injured

Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.

During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:

Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.

Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.

Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

A person might feel foot pain at night from various causes, including lifestyle factors and medical conditions. Such pain may be dull or throbbing and be felt in the ball of the foot, the heel, the toes, the arches, or the ankles. Aching feet can interfere with sleep, and sleep disturbances can make pain feel worse. Lifestyle factors contributing to foot pain at night include standing for prolonged periods, wearing ill-fitting footwear, or pregnancy. One can get muscle fatigue and suffer cramps or spasms in their feet during pregnancy, and the body processes calcium differently, which can also cause foot cramps. Medical conditions leading to nighttime foot achiness include foot problems like Morton’s neuroma or plantar fasciitis or health conditions such as diabetes. Wearing correctly fitting shoes, getting plenty of hydration, and doing foot stretches can help reduce foot pain at night. If your feet continually hurt you at night, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with the foot specialists from Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating of the feet. This condition is also referred to as polyhidrosis or sudorrhea, and it may affect more than one area of the body. It is often embarrassing and uncomfortable, and emotional well-being may become affected. This condition can fall into one of two categories. Excessive sweating from unknown causes may be classified as primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis and often occurs in only one area of the body. An underlying health issue such as gout, menopause or obesity may indicate secondary hyperhidrosis, which may cause distress in addition to existing conditions. Patients who have plantar hyperhidrosis may develop a fungal or bacterial infection of the feet, indicating the need to practice a good foot care routine. If you are afflicted with this condition, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can guide you toward relief and possible prevention techniques.

If you are suffering from hyperhidrosis contact the foot specialists of Podiatry Associates of Belleville. Our doctors can provide the care you need to attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Belleville, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.